Zechariah 1 Commentary

The prophet Zechariah receives the word of the LORD in the eighth month of the second year of King Darius of Persia.

Zechariah invites the exilic remnant of Judah to return to God so that He may return to them, consistent with His covenant promise. He warns them not to behave like their fathers did, provoking God to anger and experiencing His judgment.

The prophet Zechariah receives the word of the LORD in the eleventh month of the second year of King Darius of Persia.

Zechariah receives his first vision. He sees a patrol of heavenly horsemen mounted on horses of various colors. These horsemen report that all the earth is now at peace. The angel who talks to Zechariah reassures him that the LORD is still angry with the Gentile nations, who are at peace but have exploited His people. But He will comfort Jerusalem and restore her fortunes.

Zechariah sees four horns representing the nations of the four points of the compass. He also sees four blacksmiths who will destroy the horns, meaning that successive political powers will destroy the powers before them.